USAF to spend $2bn on next unmanned bomber

Published: Feb 06, 2006
Source: www.flightinternational.com



The US Air Force has set aside $2 billion over the next several years to launch the accelerated development of a next-generation bomber that is almost certain to be unmanned and unlike anything on the ramp today. At the same time, the air force continues to evaluate manned vehicle technologies, such as a hypersonic spaceplane, that could be technologically feasible about a decade after the unmanned bomber is due to enter service in 2018.

Air force officials are confident full-scale development of an unmanned vehicle can start from 2008-10. The plan is to accelerate air vehicle technologies under development for the Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems programme, but the Boeing X-45C and Northrop Grumman X-47B designs are considered inadequate for the new bomber requirement.continue..